Pats Chowder Draft Profile: Brian Cushing

Are we starting to see a trend here? The Patriots are really lucking out this year. They NEED to get depth at linebacker. No, scratch that, they need to get any talent at all at linebacker. They are grossly thin and extremely old. Jerod Mayo was a stud pick last year, but they need to find him a running mate if they want to keep the defense in tact at a playoff level.

Don’t forget, for all of your NFL Draft updates stop by Pats Chowder all weekend long. If any news, rumors, trades, or anything breaks during the draft, you will find it here.

But for now, on with player number four in the Pats Chowder Draft Profile series: Brian Cushing.

Pats Chowder Draft Profile: Brian Cushing
Position: Outside Linebacker
Height: 6′2 7/8″
Weight: 243
University: USC

Pros:
Like his teammate Matthews, Cushing possesses the amazing ability to read the play and be in the right spot at the right time. He also has the ability to explode through the ball carrier making him an intriguing blend of his college teammates. At the NFL combine, Cushing impressed scouts with 30 reps on the bench press which was the most by any outside linebacker.

Cons:
The only real concern with Cushing is durability. He’s already had significant injuries to both his shoulder and his knee and missed playing time because of both injuries. He isn’t the best pass rusher, but for a team that already has a formidable front line Cushing could be an ideal fit.

Fit:
I think Cushing could be a decent fit in New England, but he’d be better if they were also able to complete the trade for Julius Peppers. His durability concerns could play a major role in the Patriots thought process since they are not just looking for someone who could lead the defense into the future, but they are looking for someone who could step in and be an impact player immediately.

Odds:
He’s the fourth one I have reviewed here and that’s exactly where I believe he falls on their draft board. All three (Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews, and Larry English) would be more ideal fits for New England, but if Cushing is would be the best available. He also might be well off the board since his mock draft stock seems to be the most erratic of all of these prospects. I have to believe he’s the third USC linebacker off the board, but some teams also see him as the best of the bunch. Time will tell.

Tags: Bill Belichick, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, Jerod Mayo, Julius Peppers, Larry English, New England Patriots, NFL Draft, Rey Maualuga